Buying a used car can save you thousands, but mileage is often the first number shoppers fixate on.
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Is 60,000 miles still safe? What about 100,000 or even 150,000 miles? The truth is, there’s no single mileage figure that’s “too high” for every used car. It depends on how the car has been driven, maintained, and built.
This in‑depth guide breaks down what mileage really means, what’s considered high mileage today, and how to decide whether a used car with higher miles is a smart buy—or a money pit.
Why Mileage Matters When Buying a Used Car
Mileage is important because it gives you a rough idea of wear and tear. Higher mileage usually means:
- More stress on the engine and gearbox
- Greater wear on suspension, brakes, and steering components
- Increased likelihood of age‑related failures
That said, mileage alone doesn’t tell the full story. A high‑mileage car with full service history can be a far better buy than a low‑mileage car that’s been neglected.
What Is Considered High Mileage for a Used Car?
Here’s a general mileage guide for modern cars:
- Under 30,000 miles – Very low mileage
- 30,000–60,000 miles – Low to average mileage
- 60,000–100,000 miles – Average to high mileage
- 100,000–150,000 miles – High mileage
- 150,000+ miles – Very high mileage
In today’s market, 100,000 miles is no longer a deal‑breaker—especially for well‑engineered vehicles.
Is 100,000 Miles Too High When Buying a Used Car?
For many buyers, 100,000 miles feels like a psychological barrier. In reality:
- Modern engines are commonly designed to last 150,000–200,000 miles
- Diesel engines often exceed 200,000 miles with proper care
- Many issues at this mileage are maintenance‑related, not terminal
If a car has reached 100,000 miles with consistent servicing, it’s often a sign of durability—not impending failure.
Key checks at 100k miles:
- Timing belt or timing chain condition
- Clutch wear (manual cars)
- Suspension components
- Cooling system health
Is 150,000 Miles Too High for a Used Car?
At 150,000 miles, you need to be more selective—but it’s not automatically a bad buy.
A used car with 150k miles can still be worth buying if:
- It has a full service history
- Major wear items have already been replaced
- The price reflects the mileage
At this stage, expect:
- Reduced resale value
- Higher maintenance costs
- Less remaining lifespan unless meticulously maintained
For buyers on a tight budget, a high‑mileage car that’s been well cared for can offer excellent value.
Does Mileage Matter More Than Age?
Not always. A 10‑year‑old car with 40,000 miles that’s only done short trips may be worse than a 5‑year‑old car with 90,000 motorway miles.
High motorway mileage is generally kinder to a car than low urban mileage, because:
- Engines reach proper operating temperature
- Fewer cold starts
- Less stop‑start wear on components
Mileage should always be assessed alongside vehicle age, usage, and maintenance history.
Petrol vs Diesel: Mileage Expectations
Petrol Cars
- Average lifespan: 150,000–200,000 miles
- Best for: Lower annual mileage, city driving
- High mileage concerns: Timing belts, oil consumption, gearbox wear
Diesel Cars
- Average lifespan: 200,000+ miles
- Best for: High mileage drivers, motorway use
- High mileage concerns: DPF, injectors, turbochargers
A diesel with low mileage can actually be riskier if it hasn’t been driven properly.
Mileage vs Maintenance: What Matters More?
Maintenance history beats mileage every time. When buying a used car, look for:
- Full or well‑documented service history
- Regular oil changes
- Evidence of preventative maintenance
- Receipts for major repairs
A 120,000‑mile car with perfect records is often safer than a 60,000‑mile car with gaps in servicing.
Best Mileage to Buy a Used Car for Value
The sweet spot for most buyers is:
- 50,000–80,000 miles
At this range:
- Depreciation has slowed
- Cars are still relatively modern
- Major failures are less common
However, high‑mileage used cars can be bargains if you’re prepared for ongoing upkeep.
When Is Mileage Too High to Buy?
Mileage may be too high if:
- The car has no service history
- Warning lights are present
- The price doesn’t reflect mileage
- Major components are near failure with no evidence of replacement
In these cases, even a “cheap” car can become expensive very quickly.
Should You Avoid High‑Mileage Used Cars?
Not necessarily. High‑mileage cars make sense if:
- You plan to keep the car short‑term
- You want the lowest purchase price
- You’re comfortable with maintenance costs
They’re less ideal if:
- You want long‑term ownership with minimal repairs
- You rely on the car for daily commuting without backup
Final Verdict: What Mileage Is Too High?
There’s no universal cutoff. Instead of asking “What mileage is too high?”, the smarter question is:
“How well has this car been looked after?”
A well‑maintained high‑mileage car can outperform a neglected low‑mileage one every time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is considered high mileage on a used car?
Generally, anything over 100,000 miles is considered high mileage, but this varies by vehicle type and maintenance history.
Is it bad to buy a car with over 100k miles?
No. Many modern cars easily exceed 100,000 miles if properly maintained.
How many miles is too many for a used car?
For most buyers, 150,000+ miles requires extra caution, but it’s not automatically too many.
Is low mileage always better when buying a used car?
Not always. Very low mileage can indicate lots of short trips, which may increase engine wear.
Should I buy a high‑mileage car with full service history?
Yes. Full service history significantly reduces the risk of future problems.
Do cars last longer today than in the past?
Yes. Advances in engineering mean modern cars last far longer than older generations.
What mileage should I avoid when buying a used car?
Avoid cars with high mileage and poor maintenance records, regardless of the number on the odometer.
If you’re shopping smart, mileage is just one piece of the puzzle—not the final answer.
